How to Make Sanitary Napkins

How to Make Sanitary Napkins



Homemade sanitary napkins are an eco-friendly and frugal alternative to disposable pads and panty liners. Made with flannel or other thick cloth, they are both washable and reusable. Learn how you can save money (and the environment) my making your own menstrual pads.







Things You'll Need:





Sewing machine with a zig zag stitch




Thread




Flannel




Scissors




Snaps or safety pins









1


Understand the anatomy of a sanitary napkin. To be usable, the napkin must have several components and layers. The center, which will absorb secretions, must be thick and soft. Several layers of fabric, such as flannel or sweatshirt material, should line the inside to be both comfortable and absorbent. The outer lining should be made from a fabric that is soft and breathable, such as cotton.





2


Know that cloth pads are just as hygienic as traditional paper and plastic feminine hygiene products. Aside from taking a few minutes to clean, versus throwing paper ones away and contributing to environmental hazards, cloth pads are easy to use and reuse.





3


Cut a rectangle of fabric that will be used for the inner lining of the pad. Double- or triple-fold the fabric to reach desired thickness.





4


Cut another rectangle that will "wrap" around the layered insides of the pad. Fold this outer liner in half, around the pad materials, and sew up the three open sides.





5


Make enough napkins so that you will always have fresh ones on hand. Part of the benefit to cloth napkins is that you don't have to worry about frequently changing disposable pads and wasting money. You'll feel cleaner and fresher knowing you have a new pad on.





6


Wash the pads by immediately placing a soiled pad in cold water. Wash after in a normal wash cycle, and dry.








Tips & Warnings










Another option for the interior lining is to fold two socks in half, and stack them.








Cloth pads stay in place. They do not require adhesive, safety pins or other methods for securing them in one spot.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2103804_make-sanitary-napkins.html

How to Make Sage Peppermint Tea for Coughs, Sore Throats and the Flu

How to Make Sage Peppermint Tea for Coughs, Sore Throats and the Flu



When it's cold and flu season, I tend to reach into my "bag of tricks" for things that can help. My favorite tea blend uses sage and peppermint and can be used for a range of complaints including sore throats, fever, coughs, stomach upset, and a general feeling of fatigue.

I also enjoy this tea blend when I need a general pick-me-up. The stinging nettle in this blend offers extra vitamins and minerals and is something I reach for when I need a boost.

You may want to make a big pot and sip it throughout the day (just double or triple the recipe). If you decide to do that, steep it for 30 minutes before putting it in the refrigerator.

However, follow the instructions below for a single cup.







Things You'll Need:





1 tsp. dried stinging nettle leaves




1/2 tsp. dried peppermint leaves




1/2 tsp. dried sage leaves (rubbed)




Honey, to taste




Tea strainer that fits over the mug




Hot water









1


Collecting the herbs is the first thing you will need to do. Look for the highest quality you can find. Make sure that the herbs don't have any mold spots or dirt. They should also be a vibrant green color.





2


Combine the stinging nettle, peppermint leaves and dried sage in a small dish. Stir gently until well incorporated. Place in the tea strainer and fit it over a mug. Pour one cup of hot water over the leaves and steep for 10 minutes.





3


Make a large batch if you want and store it in an airtight container away from heat and light. For this, you'll need to use the "simpler's method." The formula will read: "2 parts dried stinging nettle, 1 part peppermint leaves, 1 part dried sage leaves." Simply choose a unit of measure and substitute it for "parts." If you choose cups, you'll need 2 cups stinging nettle leaves, 1 cup peppermint leaves, 1 cup sage leaves. Mix the leaves gently until well distributed. Use two teaspoons for every cup of hot water.





4


Use a quart size mason jar if you decide to make a 1 quart batch. Measure 4 teaspoons of the herb into the jar and fill it with hot water. Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes.








Tips & Warnings










Use raw honey, if you can, for the extra enzymes.








You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice for extra Vitamin C.








Make sure you consult with a doctor.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2166228_tea-coughs-sore-throats-flu.html

How to Practice Chakra Meditation

How to Practice Chakra Meditation



Meditation is an age-old technique practiced by many who claim that it focuses the mind while de-stressing the body. Ancient Eastern belief systems hold that the human body has 7 primary chakras, or energy centers, and that guided meditation visualizations can stimulate and release their power in your daily life. The practice of chakra meditation is used by many to combat fatigue and stress, and to promote overall physical, spiritual and mental health.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Chakra crystals (optional)







Know Your Chakras




1


Be aware of the locations of the 7 primary chakras and their proper names: the root chakra is located at the base of the spine, the naval chakra at your lower abdomen, the solar plexus chakra between your belly button and chest, the heart chakra in the center of the chest, the throat chakra at your Adam's apple, the brow chakra in the forehead and the crown chakra at the apex of your skull.





2


Memorize the colors of each chakra. The root chakra is red, the naval chakra orange, the solar plexus chakra yellow, the heart chakra green, the throat chakra blue, the brow chakra indigo and the crown chakra violet.





3


Know the properties of each chakra. All 7 have a primary function associated with them. The root chakra's property is "instinct," the naval chakra is "sexuality," the solar plexus chakra is "power," the heart chakra is "love," the throat chakra is "creativity," the brow chakra is "intuition" and the crown chakra is "higher knowledge."





4


Learn more by visiting the Learning Meditation page on chakra meditation (see Resources below).



Practice Chakra Meditation




1


Sit or lie down in your dedicated meditation space. Chakra meditation is one of few meditative forms that does not require you to be seated with your legs crossed. Your back should be straight, though, whether you are vertical or horizontal.





2


Deepen the draw of your breath. You don't need to worry about regulating it or breathing at specific intervals, so long as your breathing is not restricted and your breaths fill your entire lungs.





3


Feel your breath travel up your spine as you inhale and down your spine as you exhale. Repeat several times, until you feel your spine has been energized.





4


Begin with your root chakra. Imagine its color. Feel its energy collect. When you have fully visualized your root chakra, move up to the navel chakra.





5


Repeat Step 4 for each of your 7 chakras. When you finish, you may either stop or work your way back down. For each chakra, vividly imagine its color and the property associated with it. Feel that property awaken inside you as you concentrate on it.





6


Use chakra crystals to heighten your practice. Hold each chakra's corresponding crystal in your hand as you visualize it and feel its power.








Tips & Warnings










A basic set of chakra crystals is inexpensive, but bear in mind that the price will increase with the quality of the crystal. Stay within your budget while noting that some purists claim that high-quality crystals are essential for proper meditation.








Chakra meditation will not suffice as a substitute for proper medical care. If you experience chest pains, restricted breathing, severe throat irritations or any other worrisome symptoms in your chakra regions, you should consult a physician immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031441_practice-chakra-meditation.html

How to Know Whether Energy Healing is Working

How to Know Whether Energy Healing is Working



Energy healing heals patients with the use of energy. There are many energy healing forms, but their common goal is to channel energy into the patient's energy field to heal and replenish lost energy. This method of healing is effective for many ailments including allergies, chronic fatigue, muscular pain and digestive problems.







Try an Energy Healing Treatment




1


Search for an energy healing practitioner. The Quantum Touch Web site offers a list of certified practitioners (see Resources below).





2


Know to arrive at your energy healing session with an open mind and a willingness to receive healing. If you have doubts or are skeptical, it may limit your healing session experience. Expect to pay moderate fees.





3


Relax on the massage table or chair offered to you for the treatment session. You may be given a choice of music and aromatherapy to help you relax.





4


Discuss any expectations you may have and any issues you may want addressed with your healer.





5


Expect the practitioner to know and use a variety of hand positions on your body or the energy field around you depending on the healing form she practices.



How to Know Whether Energy Healing is Working




1


Keep track of how you feel in a diary before your treatment.





2


Expect to feel different sensations during treatment. As the healer channels energy into your energy field, you may feel the energy as coolness, heat or tingling on your skin. Some patients just feel relaxed.





3


Prepare for a release of emotions. As your energy field is being healed, previously stored toxic emotions are released. Some patients are moved to tears and some have an attack of giggles. The emotional release could take any form.





4


Try to drink lots of water in the days following the treatment because you may feel extremely tired or have a lot of headaches. This means that toxins are being released from your body. This is a sign that the energy healing treatment is working.





5


Expect to feel an improvement either immediately after the treatment or gradually in the days following. The amount of time it will take for you to feel some improvement will depend on the issues with which you are dealing.





6


Review your earlier diary entries and compare the way you feel after treatment to the way you felt before. This will also help you determine whether energy healing is working for you.








Tips & Warnings










Search for an energy healing practitioner with a considerable amount of experience.








For cases such as, but not limited to, stroke, vomiting blood, burns, chest pains and panic attacks, see a medical doctor immediately. Also call 911 for immediate assistance.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031321_energy-healing-working.html

How to Heal Your Aura With Energy Healing

How to Heal Your Aura With Energy Healing



Energy healing involves healing the body's energy field, which is made up of the aura and chakras. Diseases, from migraines to asthma, show up in the energy field before they manifest in the body. Healing the aura regularly is an alternative way to treat and prevent diseases.







Learn About Auras




1


Know that everything in the universe is made of energy. An aura is a three-dimensional energy field surrounding the body.





2


Be aware that the aura is an early indicator of disease before it shows up in the body.





3


Avoid poor diet, congested air, lack of rest, drugs, alcohol and other negative habits for a healthy aura.



Learn to See an Aura




1


Find a volunteer for your auric experiment or use yourself.





2


Use a room with a background color that is not too dark, too light or strong.





3


Make sure that the light in the room is soft but not dim.





4


Have your subject sit in a chair and stand a few feet behind. If you are trying to see your own aura, place a mirror in front of you at a comfortable angle.





5


Relax and assume a soft gaze.





6


Look at a spot just past the side of your subject's head and wait to see a field start to take form around the subject from the corner of your eye.





7


Do not look directly at it or it will disappear. If it does, however, you can always re-focus and try again.





8


Know that with practice, you will eventually be able to see the aura easily.



Learn How to Heal Your Aura




1


Wash your hands with running water then comb through the air around your body to clear your aura. Wash your hands once again when you are done.





2


Pass the smoke from smudge sticks of sage,
lavender
or sweetgrass through the air around your body. This method of clearing the aura is called smudging.





3


Soak in a bath of Epsom salt. The salt helps to heal the aura of negative energy.





4


Consider a treatment from an energy healing practitioner to heal your aura. The cost will vary, from moderate to high.





5


Learn more about your aura by visiting the Worldtrans Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Discuss your intent to begin alternative treatment with your doctor.








Seek emergency medical care if you are having problems such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain or uncontrolled bleeding. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for immediate assistance.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031313_heal-aura-energy.html

How to Find Whether Your Insurance Covers Acupressure

How to Find Whether Your Insurance Covers Acupressure



Insurance coverage for alternative healthcare is on the rise. Acupressure is one of the treatments most requested by plan members. This ancient Chinese technique is an excellent choice for people looking for more natural ways to alleviate chronic pain, mood disorders, obesity and allergies. By applying pressure to the points on the skin called acupoints, the body's natural healing system is stimulated.







Things You'll Need:





Insurance card if your carrier covers acupressure




Internet with computer access







Know the Facts About Insurance Coverage




1


Read the fine print. Some carriers require that you obtain a referral for acupressure from your primary physician in order to receive coverage. Otherwise, you may be without coverage.





2


Check with your provider. Insurance coverage for something like acupressure may be covered under your plan's 'Alternative Care Packages.'





3


Ask your employer whether they opted for supplemental group coverage. This is a separate purchase and usually costs you only an extra 4-6 percent on your monthly insurance premium.





4


See whether your plan covers acupressure as part of the core benefits. This means that it is covered in the same way a visit to a pediatrician or other more traditional medical providers would be.





5


Find out whether you are at least eligible for a discount program. This means acupressure services would be at a reduced price with your insurance coverage.





6


Demand coverage. Let your provider and employer know that you would like coverage for alternative healthcare like acupressure.



Determine Your Eligibility




1


Contact your state insurance commissioner's office. They regulate insurance companies in your state and will be advised of the current companies providing coverage for acupressure. They can also tell you which treatment types are mandated under the law of your state.





2


Stay abreast of changes with your carrier. They may decide to cover you for acupressure, but you'll be the last to know if you don't stay on top of them.





3


Call your insurance provider. Ask a representative what the requirements for coverage are, such as state licenses and provider qualifications. Then you can see whether your regular practitioner is up to par.





4


Do your own acupressure if you can't get it covered under your plan. Learn how to proceed by visiting the Eclectic Energies Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










If your provider covers acupressure, you are one of the lucky few. Not all companies offer coverage, which greatly reduces the cost of an office visit. Hourly rates can be pricey especially if you require follow-up visits.








Don't visit an acupressure practitioner if you are experiencing symptoms that require immediate medical care, such as heart palpitations, severe allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts or memory loss.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031331_insurance-covers-acupressure.html

How to Become an Energy Healing Practitioner

How to Become an Energy Healing Practitioner



Energy healing has fast become one of the alternative healing methods of choice for many ailments including allergies, depression and high blood pressure. There are many types of energy healing treatments and new ones develop daily. This method of treatment is in high demand and so are Energy Healing Practitioners.







Become an Energy Healing Practitioner




1


Research the different types of energy healing and find one that resonates with you. Popular forms include Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Quantum Touch. You can learn about energy healing forms at The Energy Medicine Institute (see Resources below).





2


Be aware that every form has different versions, especially Reiki. This is because each teacher adds something to what they were taught and passes it on to their students. The students discover new ways to implement what they have learned which they, in turn, pass on to future students.





3


Find a teacher or practitioner of your chosen energy healing system. In addition to other questions you may have, find out how they trained, where they trained, their experiences with the system and what to expect.





4


Select a class near you for your chosen energy healing system. The cost of tuition will depend on the form you choose, the type of course you choose and where you go. It will vary from moderate to high.





5


Look for classes online. Many of these systems can be taught via the Internet.





6


Expect to pay much less if you take a course on the Internet. Many people offer free Reiki attunements. The only requirement is that you do the same for someone else.





7


Secure an office space.





8


Check for your city's ordinances if you prefer to work out of your home.





9


Obtain a business license and a Tax ID number.





10


Check your state's business regulations for other documents you may need.





11


Print your business cards and start advertising for clients.





12


Find and join a group of professional energy healers for support. You might consider joining a discussion group online.








Tips & Warnings










Alternative medicine is not meant to replace orthodox medicine. Encourage your clients to continue any medical treatment prescribed until further consultation with their physician.








Refer your patients to an emergency room or call 911 if they experience such symptoms as chest pains, shortness of breath, panic attacks or bleeding.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031322_become-energy-healing.html